My last gig in 2018 was Paul McClure and the Goat Roper Rodeo Band, The former is known as the Rutland troubadour, the latter group live together in a static caravan in Rhyl! A very pleasant evening to round off the Autumn/Winter season at Biddulph Up In Arms. Here's the Goat Ropers -Next gig (unless something comes up between Christmas and New Year) is Emily Barker in Biddulph on January 4th, Last saw her in a health food supermarket in East Nashville in September...

Next gig (unless something comes up between Christmas and New Year) is Emily Barker in Biddulph on January 4th, Last saw her in a health food supermarket in East Nashville in September...

Weather and sobriety and tickets permitting - hope to get over for Emily - last seen a few years back as a surprise addition to the bill for a Christian Kjellvander / Lonesome Penniless Cowboys hoedown @ The Klondyke Levenshulme.

First gig of 2019 - Emily Barker, supported by local Biddulph lass Emily Lockett. A good turn out for the post Christmas first Friday of the New Year. Emily L is a very competent finger picker influenced by Taylor Swift and as such has an ear for a tune. Not bad for a 17 year old who will develop her own style more and nights like this in front of a decent crowd will do her no end of good. Emily B, accompanied by her partner Lukas Drinkwater is a great professional and probably the nicest person in roots music. Style-wise she veers across folk, blues, gospel and country. A good start to the year. Next up is Hilary Klug at the Green Note in London followed by the UK Americana Festival on the next couple of nights, both at the end of January.Emily LockettEmily Barker

Trip to London - first it was Youtube Nashville fiddle and dance sensation Hillary Klug. She had technical problems with her sound set up but battled through to put on an entertaining - if somewhat novelty - show.Then, on the following nights it was UK Americana Fest in Hackney - two nights of showcase gigs and conference discussion. I didn't do any discussion, I just did the music. Highlights for me were Carson McHone - Austin honky-tonk singer (and a real smart cookie), Bennett Wilson Poole (who've been great for the last twelve months with their jangly CSNY-Byrdsian pop) and Austin Lucas.Danny Wilson of BWPCarson McHoneAustin Lucas

RH at Bury 2nd February - Martin Simpson! When a new person is brought into a band dynamic in my playing experience, it can go one of two ways - it can either hold everyone back as they're listening hard to compensate and adjust in their playing, or the newbie is sensitive to the songs and adds something new and different. It was Martin Simpson so there are no prizes for guessing that he fell into the latter category - even with a banjo! A great gig - the audience were lively and totally up for it which lifted the atmosphere in the hall. A special well done to Liam Frost too, not only for an excellent support, but also for his prompt response in stopping his set to get help to the guy stood next but one to me who fainted. He seemed to recover quickly thankfully.Photos:

Couple of gigs this week - first it was bluesy guitar-slinger Sean Taylor - really nice bloke - who was playing at Biddulph Up In Arms. Seen him a couple of times now and he's one of those who works brilliantly in a live setting.Friday I endured the train (and unexpected) bus journey from hell to get up to Glasgow to see Austin country singer Carson McHone at the Hug and Pint, a veggie restaurant with a dark but inviting downstairs venue. Ms McHone is rapidly becoming a favourite - witty, literate and humorous in her writing and stage presence. She's back in May with her full band. One not to miss.

Went to Cologne/Koln to see the Mavericks and to be a tourist and meet up with a friend who lives in the city. The Mavericks were their usual lively selves - the crowd were really up for it too as it was the weekend preceding Karneval and folks were getting in the mood for a party.Raul Malo:

Following on from Wednesday's local gig I went to see Crewe band and musical mates The King's Pistol at the Artisan Tap in Newcastle-under-Lyme. One of those bands that, given the right exposure, could be huge - a trio of gothic-noir-folk. Sort of. Difficult to pigeon hole, but a really tight band and exciting live performers.Friday and it was two trains over to Sheffield for the recording of the Radio 4 "Mastertapes" performance. I must admit, I didn't know that the series existed until this show but I was very pleasantly surprised and impressed by its mix of interview and music. A fantastic experience and the bonus of Maimuna Memon's performance has made me look forward to the Sky's Edge musical even more. A public world premiere of "My Little Treasures" was an enticing glimpse of the new album too. All this and mention of the great Roy Bailey and Zydeco music...

Next up I played a gig myself - a charity gig for the son of a rehearsal studio owner suffering from Lymphona. We (Elvis Fontenot) did an hour and then the R&B (As in Dr Feelgood) band, House on Fire that our bass player and drummer also play in, finished the night.Here's Chris P, who played both sets (also played with Bryan Adams at a society do one time and was one of Screaming Lord Sutch's northern Savages).Tim and Stu of House on Fire:

Next up - John Bramwell in Biddulph on Friday, then Big Sandy at the Greystones next Sunday.